Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

We can do that. I might speak to the Deputy about that matter again.

Section 19 details the obligations of the Minister for Health, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Foley, and the HSE in relation to the performance delivery plan, which will replace the service plan. The section also outlines the requirements for the preparation, timeline for submission and content and approval of the plan.

Section 20 outlines the processes for amending an approved performance delivery plan. Either Minister, after consultation with the other, can issue a direction to the HSE to amend an approved plan and can specify the manner in which it is to be amended. The amended plan must adhere to the same requirements as the initially approved plan.

Section 21 deals with the implementation of an approved performance delivery plan. The HSE is required to deliver services in line with the approved plan and to ensure that the expenditure incurred for the period relating to the plan does not exceed the authorised amount.

Section 22 increases the deadline for submission of the HSE capital plan to the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality from 21 to 28 days.

Section 23 introduces corrective action proposals and outlines the obligations of the HSE, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in the preparation, approval and implementation of these proposals. The proposals are to be developed by the CEO and approved by the HSE board.

Section 24 outlines the process for amending corrective action proposals. Either Minister, after consultation with the other, can issue a direction to the HSE to amend the proposals and can specify the manner in which they are to be amended. This direction includes a timeline for the submission of amended proposals.

Sections 25 to 27, inclusive, update references to the service plan in order that it will be referred to as the performance delivery plan, as introduced under the Bill.

Section 28 amends the National Cancer Registry Board (Establishment) Order 1991 by increasing the membership of the board to ten members and adjusting the quorum to account for this change.

The purpose of the Bill is clear. It builds upon the foundations of the Health Act 2004 and the Health Service Executive (Governance) Act 2019 to further enhance the governance, oversight and accountability of the HSE. Through the introduction of strategic direction statements and annual statements of priorities, this Bill represents an opportunity to more formally align the planning processes of the HSE with those of the Government. The introduction of corrective action proposals means a shift towards a solutions-based approach to potential overspends and allows for early intervention with the full approval of the HSE board. Importantly, this Bill also ensures that the HSE board will retain its independence and autonomy while simultaneously ensuring sufficient oversight alignment with the priorities with the Departments of Health and Children, Disability and Equality. Ultimately, the Bill represents an improvement in governance and oversight of the executive through which an improved quality of care for the nation's citizens can be achieved.

I look forward to Members' contributions and welcome the opportunity to engage in productive discussions on its provisions. I commend the Bill to the House.

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